Reactor water isolation devices

ABSTRACT

A seal clamp assembly for sealing an opening in a piping system includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a base having a first side, a second side and an aperture extending therethrough from the first side to the second side, and a brace coupled to the base. The brace includes a distal pad hingedly coupled to a distal end portion of the brace. The seal clamp assembly also includes a spring bridge coupled to the base first side. The bridge includes a substantially rectangular U-shaped frame and an aperture extending through the spring bridge frame such that the spring bridge aperture is in substantial lineal alignment with the base aperture. A clamping assembly is coupled to a proximate end portion of the brace.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to nuclear reactors and, moreparticularly to apparatus for plugging openings or leaks in nuclearplant piping systems for maintenance or repair.

[0002] A typical boiling water reactor (BWR) includes a pressure vesselcontaining a nuclear fuel core immersed in circulating coolant waterwhich removes heat from the nuclear fuel. The water is boiled togenerate steam for driving a steam turbine-generator for generatingelectric power. The steam is then condensed and the water is returned tothe pressure vessel in a closed loop system. Piping circuits carry steamto the turbines and carry recirculated water or feed-water back to thepressure vessel that contains the nuclear fuel.

[0003] Additional piping circuits perform emergency cooling of the core.Some of these piping systems are high pressure systems, others providereactor cooling water at relatively lower pressures, still others aredesigned to supply cooling flow while the reactor is in a shutdown stateand the pressure vessel is open. During shutdown conditions maintenancework is performed on reactor plant systems rendering some componentsinoperable in their normal mode. To accomplish maintenance work duringshutdowns, alternate means of isolating piping systems and vents need tobe provided. This can be accomplished by lowering the water level in thereactor below a level of the elevation of the equipment desired to beworked on. Depending on the elevation of the equipment, a significantdisruption to reactor maintenance activities may be required. Theisolation of equipment may require removable of all fuel from thereactor, installation of the reactor pressure vessel head, restrictionof access or evacuation of the containment and drywell areas. Aftercompletion of the maintenance, the above steps must be reversed prior toreturning to normal outage maintenance activities.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] In one aspect, a seal clamp assembly for sealing an opening in apiping system is provided. The seal clamp assembly includes a basehaving a first side, a second side and an aperture extendingtherethrough from the first side to the second side, and a brace coupledto the base. The brace includes a distal pad hingedly coupled to adistal end portion of the brace. The seal clamp assembly also includes aspring bridge coupled to the base first side. The bridge includes asubstantially rectangular U-shaped frame and an aperture extendingthrough the spring bridge frame such that the spring bridge aperture isin substantial lineal alignment with the base aperture. A clampingassembly is coupled to a proximate end portion of the brace.

[0005] In another aspect, a seal clamp installation tool for remotelyattaching a seal clamp assembly to a pipe is provided. The seal clampassembly includes a collar, and the installation tool includes a firstplate having a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and anaperture extending through the first plate from the first face to thesecond face. The tool also includes a pole adapter extendingperpendicularly from and fixedly attached to the first plate first face,a cylinder actuator including a body and a cylinder pole extendingperpendicularly from an axial face of the body with the cylinderactuator replacably attached to the first plate first face such thatsaid cylinder pole extends through the first plate aperture. The toolfurther includes a second plate that includes a first face with thefirst face fixedly attached to a distal end of the cylinder pole.

[0006] In another aspect, a seal clamp assembly is provided. The sealclamp assembly includes a first half-shell having a firstsemi-cylindrical body, and a second half-shell having a secondsemi-cylindrical body. The first semi-cylindrical body includes aconcave interior surface, a convex exterior surface, a plurality ofengagement tabs, and a plurality of seals. The second semi-cylindricalbody includes a concave interior surface, a convex exterior surface, anda plurality of actuating cylinders coupled to the exterior face. Eachactuating cylinder includes a cylinder extension that includes a shaftand an engagement disc coupled to an axial face of the shaft. The secondsemi-cylindrical body also includes a plurality of seals.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of sealing an opening in a pipe isprovided. The method includes providing a seal clamp assembly thatincludes a base including a first side, a second side and an apertureextending therethrough, and a brace coupled to the base. The braceincludes a distal pad hingedly coupled to a distal end portion of thebrace. The seal clamp assembly also includes a spring bridge coupled tothe base first side and a clamping assembly coupled to a proximate endportion of the brace. The bridge includes a substantially rectangularU-shaped frame and an aperture extending through the spring bridge framesuch that the spring bridge aperture is in substantial lineal alignmentwith the base aperture. The method also includes providing a seal clampinstallation tool that includes a first plate including opposing firstand second faces and an aperture extending therethrough, a pole adapterextending perpendicularly from and fixedly attached to the first platefirst face, a cylinder actuator including a body and a cylinder poleextending perpendicularly from an axial face of the body, the cylinderactuator replacably attached to the first plate first face such that thecylinder pole extends through the first plate aperture, and a secondplate includeg a first face, the first face fixedly attached to a distalend of the cylinder pole. The method further includes engaging the sealclamp installation tool to the seal clamp assembly, actuating the sealclamp installation tool cylinder actuator to a retracted position,positioning the seal clamp assembly on the pipe, and actuating the sealclamp installation tool cylinder actuator to an extended position tosecure the seal clamp assembly to the pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a sectional view, with parts cut away, of a boilingwater nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV).

[0009]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a seal clamp.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of seal clamp rotated 90 degreesfrom the view in FIG. 2.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a plan view of seal clamp 10.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a detail view of a seal clamp in a retracted position.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a diagram of a seal clamp installed on a pipe.

[0014]FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a seal clamp installation tool.

[0015]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the seal clamp installationtool rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 7.

[0016]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the seal clamp installation tool.

[0017]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the seal clamp installationtool and the seal clamp.

[0018]FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the seal clamp installationtool and the seal clamp rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 10.

[0019]FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a seal clamp assembly.

[0020]FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the seal clamp assemblyrotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 12.

[0021]FIG. 14 is a plan view of the seal clamp assembly.

[0022]FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a seal clamp first half-shell.

[0023]FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the seal clamp firsthalf-shell rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 15.

[0024]FIG. 17 is a plan view of the seal clamp first half-shell.

[0025]FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a seal clamp secondhalf-shell.

[0026]FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the seal clamp secondhalf-shell rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 18.

[0027]FIG. 20 is a detail plan view of the actuating cylinder.

[0028]FIG. 21 is isometric diagram of the seal clamp assembly installedon a pipe.

[0029]FIG. 22 is isometric diagram of the seal clamp assembly installedon a pipe rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030]FIG. 1 is a sectional view, with parts cut away, of a boilingwater nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) 10. RPV 10 has a generallycylindrical shape and is closed at one end by a bottom head 12 and atits other end by a removable top head 14. A side wall 16 extends frombottom head 12 to top head 14. Side wall 16 includes a top flange 18.Top head 14 is attached to top flange 18. A cylindrically shaped coreshroud 20 surrounds a reactor core 22 and a bypass water region, calleda reflector 21. Shroud 20 is supported at one end by a shroud support 24and includes an opposed removable shroud head 26. A downcomer region 28is an annulus formed between shroud 20 and side wall 16. A pump deck 30,which has a ring shape, extends between shroud support 24 and RPV sidewall 16. Pump deck 30 includes a plurality of circular openings 32, witheach opening housing a jet pump 34. Jet pumps 34 are circumferentiallydistributed around core shroud 20. An inlet riser pipe 36 is coupled totwo jet pumps 34 by a transition assembly 38. Each jet pump 34 includesan inlet mixer 40, and a diffuser 42. Inlet riser 36 and two connectedjet pumps 34 form a jet pump assembly 44.

[0031] Heat is generated within core 22, which includes a plurality offuel bundles 46 of fissionable material. Water circulated up throughcore 22 is at least partially converted to steam. A plurality of steamseparators 48 separate steam from water, which is recirculated. Aplurality of steam dryers 50 remove residual water from the steam. Thesteam exits the RPV 10 through a steam outlet 52 near vessel top head14.

[0032] The amount of heat generated in core 22 is regulated by insertingand withdrawing a plurality of control rods 54 of neutron absorbingmaterial, for example, hafnium. To the extent that control rod 54 isinserted adjacent fuel bundle 46, it absorbs neutrons that wouldotherwise be available to promote the chain reaction which generatesheat in core 22.

[0033] Each control rod 54 couples through a control rod drive tube 56with a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) 58 to form a control rodapparatus 60. CRDM 58 moves control rod 54 relative to a core supportplate 64 and adjacent fuel bundles 46. CRDM 58 extends through bottomhead 12 and is enclosed in a control rod drive mechanism housing 66. Acontrol rod guide tube 56 extends vertically from the control rod drivemechanism housing 66 to core support plate 64. Control rod guide tubes56 restrict non-vertical motion of control rods 54 during control rod 54insertion and withdrawal. Control rod guide tubes 56 can have any numberof shapes, for example a cruciform shape, a cylindrical shape, arectangular shape, a Y-shape, and any other suitable polygonal shape.

[0034]FIG. 2 shows, in an exemplary embodiment, a side elevation view ofa seal clamp assembly 110. FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of sealclamp 110 rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows aplan view of seal clamp 10. FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a seal clamp110 in a retracted position, and FIG. 6 shows seal clamp 110 installedon pipe elbow 111.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in an exemplary embodiment,seal clamp assembly 110 includes a base 112 having a first side 114, asecond side 116 and an aperture 118 which extends through base 112 fromfirst side 114 to second side 116. A plurality of sidewalls extendbetween base first side 114 and base second side 116. Aperture 118 isapproximately centered in first side 114. A semi-circular brace 120 iscoupled to a base first sidewall 122 by an axial end 123 ofsemi-circular base 124. Brace 120 includes an inner circumferential side126, an outer circumferential side 128, a base end 130, a distal end132, and a middle portion 134. A distal pad 136 is hingedly coupled todistal end 132 of brace 120 and a middle pad 138 is fixedly attached toinner circumferential side 126 of brace 120 approximately midway betweenbase 112 and distal pad 136. A hinge pin 139 couples distal pad 136 tobrace distal end 132. A resilient material 140 is coupled to distal padfirst face 142, which is disposed away from brace inner circumferentialside 126. A resilient material 144 is coupled to middle pad first face146, which is disposed away from brace inner circumferential side 126.

[0036] A spring bridge 148 is fixedly coupled to base first side 114.Spring bridge 148 includes a middle portion 150, a first side portion152 and a second side portion 154, configured to form a substantiallyrectangular U-shaped structure. An aperture 164 extends through springbridge middle portion 150 in an axis of symmetry 166, such that springbridge aperture 164 is in substantial lineal alignment with baseaperture 118.

[0037] A clamping assembly 180 includes a shaft 182 that has a first endportion 184, a second end portion 186 and a middle portion 188. Shaftfirst end portion 184 extends through base aperture 18 and shaft secondend portion 186 extends through spring bridge aperture 164. A collar 200is positioned between base first side 114 and spring bridge middleportion 150 circumscribing and fixedly attached to shaft 182 such that acollar first axial face 202 contacts base first side 114. A spring 212is positioned between collar 200 and spring bridge middle portion 150circumscribing shaft 182. A seal 214 is coupled to a shaft first endface 216.

[0038]FIG. 6 shows seal clamp 110 installed on a pipe elbow 111 of apiping system 222. In one embodiment, seal clamp 110 is coupled to apipe in a nuclear reactor piping system. In another embodiment sealclamp 110 is coupled to a High Pressure Core Flooder pipe.

[0039] In operation, seal clamp clamping assembly 180 is movable betweena first extended position (shown in FIG. 2) and a second retractedposition (shown in FIG. 5). In the extended position, clamping assembly180 is biased by spring 212 such that collar first axial face 202contacts base first side 114. Base first side 114 stops the travel ofclamping assembly 180 when seal clamp 110 is not engaged to a pipe (notshown). When seal clamp 110 is engaged to a pipe, seal 214 is in contactwith the pipe and stops travel of clamping assembly 180 and collar firstaxial face 202 will not contact base first side 114. In the extendedposition, shaft first end portion 184 extends through base aperture 118farther than shaft second end portion 186 extends through spring bridgeaperture 164. Referring now to FIG. 5, in the retracted position, spring212 is compressed such that collar first axial face 202 does not contactbase first side 114. In the retracted position, shaft first end portion184 extends through base aperture 118 less than shaft second end portion186 extends through spring bridge aperture 164. By looking at shaftfirst end portion 184 and shaft second end portion 186 and comparing arelative distance each extends past their respective apertures, thestate of clamping assembly extension is determined. Seal clamp 110 isinstalled on pipe 222 by placing seal clamp 110 in the retractedposition and positioning seal clamp 110 such that seal 214 is locatedabove vent 223 and middle pad 138 and lower pad 136 are contacting pipe222. Seal clamp 110 is placed in the extended position such that seal214 covers vent 223 and middle pad 138 and lower pad 136 remain incontact with pipe 222.

[0040] The exemplary embodiment shows the clamping assembly biased by aspring but, a number of different biasing elements are contemplated,including but not limited to, a fluid powered single or double actingactuator.

[0041]FIG. 7 shows a side elevation view of a seal clamp installationtool 300, FIG. 8 shows a side elevation view of seal clamp installationtool 300 rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 shows aplan view of seal clamp installation tool 300. Seal clamp installationtool 300 is used for remotely attaching a seal clamp 110 to a pipe 111.Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, tool 300 includes, in an exemplaryembodiment, a pole adapter 302 for attaching seal clamp installationtool 300 to a tool manipulator, for example, an extension pole, ropes,or a motorized tool manipulator (not shown). Pole adapter 302 extendsperpendicularly from and is fixedly attached to a first plate 304 havingopposing faces 306 and 308. An aperture 310 extends through first plate304 from face 306 to face 308. A plurality of sidewalls 312, 314, 316,and 318 extend between face 206 and face 308. Sidewall 312 issubstantially parallel to and opposite sidewall 314, and perpendicularand adjacent to sidewalls 316 and 318. A first ridge 320 extendsperpendicularly from second face 308 parallel to and adjacent tosidewall 314. A second ridge 322 extends perpendicularly from secondface 308 parallel to first ridge 320 and is disposed between first ridge320 and aperture 310.

[0042] A cylinder actuator 324 includes a cylinder shaft 326 thatmovably extends from cylinder actuator 324 perpendicularly through firstplate aperture 310 and has a distal end 327. Cylinder actuator 324 isreplacably attached to first plate face 306. A second plate 328 has asubstantially rectangular-shaped perimeter and includes a opposing faces329 and 330. Second plate 328 is fixedly attached to distal end 327 ofcylinder shaft 326 and also includes a U-shaped aperture 331 extendingthrough second plate 328 from face 329 to face 330. Aperture 331 isconfigured to operatively engage collar 200 on seal clamp 110. In oneembodiment, cylinder actuator 324 is a pneumatic cylinder actuator of asingle-acting spring return type. In another embodiment, cylinderactuator 324 is a pneumatic cylinder actuator of a double-acting type.

[0043] Pole adapter 302 includes a first end portion 332, a second endportion 334, and a tubular body 336 that extends between first end 332and second end 334. First end portion 332 includes a plurality ofJ-shaped channels 338, each of the channels configured to receive a tab(not shown) in a first axial direction 340, then in a secondcircumferential direction 342, then in a third axial direction 344opposite first axial direction 340 for locking the tab into pole adapter302. Aperture 346 extends radially through pole adapter body 336 fordraining liquid from the interior of pole adapter body 336.

[0044]FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view of a seal clamp installationtool 300 and seal clamp 110. FIG. 11 shows a side elevation view of aseal clamp installation tool 300 and seal clamp 110 rotated 90 degreesfrom the view in FIG. 10.

[0045] In operation, cylinder actuator shaft 326 is moves in an axialdirection 348 between a first retracted position (not shown) and asecond extended position 350. Shaft 326 is able to be stopped inmid-stroke to reverse direction or to hold in a mid-position. Themid-position being between the retracted position and second extendedposition 350. When seal clamp installation tool 300 is used inconjunction with seal clamp 110 (Shown in FIGS. 2-6), placing seal clampinstallation tool 300 into the retracted position places seal clamp 110into a disengaged position and placing seal clamp installation tool 300into extended position 350 places seal clamp 110 into an engagedposition. To engage tool 300 to seal clamp 110, tool 300 is placed inextended position 350, U-shaped aperture 331 of second plate 328 ispositioned such that collar 200 extends through aperture 331. Tool 300is placed in the retracted position, second plate 328 engages collar 100to compress spring 112 and move seal clamp 110 to a disengaged position.

[0046]FIG. 12 shows, in another embodiment, a side elevation view of aseal clamp assembly 400, FIG. 13 shows a side elevation view of sealclamp assembly 400 rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 12, and FIG.14 shows a plan view of a seal clamp assembly 400. Referring to FIGS.12, 13 and 14, seal clamp assembly 400 includes a seal clamp firsthalf-shell 402 and a seal clamp second half-shell 404. First half-shell402 includes a semi-cylindrical body with a concave interior surface408, a convex exterior surface 410, a plurality of engagement tabs 412,414, and 416. In other embodiments, any number of engagement tabs may beused. First half-shell 402 also includes an alignment pin 418, and aneyebolt 420.

[0047] Seal clamp second half-shell 404 includes a semi-cylindrical body422 with a concave interior surface 424, a convex exterior surface 426,and actuating cylinders 428, 430, and 432. Actuating cylinders 428, 430,and 432 include a cylinder extension 434 that has a shaft 436 and anengagement disc 438 coupled to an axial face 440 of shaft 436. Analignment lance 442 is coupled to exterior surface 426, and isconfigured to engage alignment pin 418 when seal clamp assembly 400 isfully assembled. Second half-shell 404 also includes an eyebolt 444. Inanother embodiment, other rigging devices may be used as is known in theart in any number as is safe and convenient.

[0048] Both half-shells of clamp assembly 400 include seals which worktogether to substantially prevent fluid egress from an interior volumeof a fully assembled seal clamp to a volume exterior to the fullyassembled seal clamp. Half-shell 402 includes a plurality oflongitudinal faces 460 and 462. A plurality of longitudinal seals 464and 466 are coupled to longitudinal faces 460 and 462 respectively.Half-shell 404 includes a plurality of longitudinal faces 468 and 470. Aplurality of longitudinal seals 472 and 474 are coupled to longitudinalfaces 468 and 470 respectively. Circumferential seal first halves 476and 478 and circumferential seal second halves 480 and 482 are coupledto interior surfaces 408 and 424 of half-shells 402 and 404respectively. In operation, when seal clamp assembly 400 is fullyassembled, seal 464 contacts seal 472 and seal 466 contacts seal 474.

[0049]FIG. 15 shows a side elevation view of a seal clamp firsthalf-shell 402, FIG. 16 shows a side elevation view of seal clamp firsthalf-shell 402 rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17shows a plan view of seal clamp first half-shell 402. Referring to FIGS.15, 16 and 17, in the exemplary embodiment, seal clamp first half-shell402 includes six engagement tabs 412, 414, 416, 484, 486 and 488. Eachtab includes a U-shaped notch sized to receive actuating cylinder shaft436. Circumferential seals 476 and 480 are coupled to interior surface408.

[0050]FIG. 18 shows a side elevation view of a seal clamp secondhalf-shell 404, FIG. 19 shows a side elevation view of a seal clampsecond half-shell 404 rotated 90 degrees from the view in FIG. 18, andFIG. 20 shows a detail plan view of actuating cylinder 432. Referring toFIGS. 18, 19 and 20, seal clamp second half-shell 404 includes actuatingcylinders 428, 430, 432, 490, 492 and 494, a pivoting cylinder mountingtab 500, a pivoting cylinder housing 502 pivotably coupled to mountingtab 500, a hydraulic spring cylinder 504 removably coupled to pivotingcylinder housing 502, and a cylinder rotation rod 506 fixedly attachedto pivoting cylinder housing 502. Actuating cylinder 432 is configuredto be in substantial alignment with seal clamp first half-shell cylindernotch 416 when seal clamp assembly is fully assembled. Pivoting cylinderhousing 502 is rotatable between a first engaged position (shown in FIG.13) and a second disengaged position (shown in FIG. 20).

[0051]FIGS. 21 and 22 show seal clamp assembly 400 installed on a pipe222. Referring to FIGS. 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, in operation, whenpivoting cylinder housing 502 is in the engaged position, a cylinderextension 508 is aligned with clamp engagement tab 416. Pivotingcylinder housing 502 is placed in the engaged position by rotatingcylinder rotation rod 506 in a counterclockwise direction 510 from adisengaged position (shown in FIG. 20) to an engaged position (shown inFIG. 14). When pivoting cylinder housing 502 is in the disengagedposition, pivoting cylinder housing 502 is rotated laterally away fromseal clamp second half-shell exterior surface 426 such that cylinderextension 508 is not aligned with tab 416.

[0052] Hydraulic spring cylinder 504 is operable between an extendedposition (shown in FIG. 20) and a retracted position (shown in FIG. 14).When hydraulic spring cylinder 504 is in the retracted position,engagement disc 438 engages tab 416 drawing the seal clamp assemblyhalf-shells 402 and 404 together at their respective longitudinal seals464, 466, 472, and 474, compressing them. Circumferential seals 476,478, 480 and 482 are compressed between half shell interior surfaces 408and 424 and pipe 222 (shown in FIGS. 21 and 22). The seals circumscribethe joints between the clamp assembly half shells 402 and 404 and pipe222 forming a substantially leak tight boundary.

[0053] The above described seal clamp assembly for isolating reactorequipment from sources of reactor water during shutdown maintenanceperiods is reliable and easily installed. Less maintenance and man-hoursare expended isolating reactor piping systems using non-standard pipingsystem lineups, and as such a cost-effective and reliable clamp isprovided.

[0054] While the invention has been described in terms of variousspecific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scopeof the claims.

1. A seal clamp assembly for sealing an opening in a piping system, said seal clamp comprising: a base comprising a first side, a second side and an aperture extending therethrough from said first side to said second side; a brace coupled to said base, said brace comprising a distal pad hingedly coupled to a distal end portion of said brace; a spring bridge coupled to said base first side, said bridge comprising a substantially rectangular U-shaped frame and an aperture extending through said spring bridge frame such that said spring bridge aperture is in substantial lineal alignment with said base aperture; and a clamping assembly coupled to a proximate end portion of said brace.
 2. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said clamping assembly comprises: a shaft comprising a first end and a second end, said shaft first end extending through said base aperture and said shaft second end extending through said spring bridge aperture; a collar circumscribing and fixedly attached to said shaft, said collar positioned between said base first side and said spring bridge frame such that a first axial face of said collar contacts said base; and a spring circumscribing said shaft and positioned between said collar and said spring bridge.
 3. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said brace further comprises a middle pad fixedly attached to an inner circumference of said brace between said base and said distal pad.
 4. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 3 wherein said middle pad is fixedly attached to an inner circumference of said brace approximately midway between said base and said distal pad.
 5. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said brace further comprises an arcuate shape.
 6. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein said clamping assembly comprises a first extended position wherein said clamping assembly is biased by said spring such that said collar first axial face contacts said base, said shaft first end extends through said base aperture by a first distance, and said shaft second end extends through said spring bridge aperture by a second distance, said first distance being greater than said second distance.
 7. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 6 wherein said clamping assembly comprises a second retracted position wherein said shaft first end extends through said base aperture by a first distance and said shaft second end extends through said spring bridge aperture by a second distance, said first distance being less than said second distance.
 8. A seal clamp installation tool for remotely attaching a seal clamp assembly to a pipe, the seal clamp assembly comprising a collar, said installation tool comprising; a first plate comprising a first face, a second face opposite said first face, and an aperture extending through said first plate from said first face to said second face; a pole adapter extending perpendicularly from and fixedly attached to said first plate first face; a cylinder actuator comprising a body and a cylinder pole extending perpendicularly from an axial face of said body, said cylinder actuator replacably attached to said first plate first face such that said cylinder pole extends through said first plate aperture; and a second plate comprising a first face, said first face fixedly attached to a distal end of said cylinder pole.
 9. A seal clamp installation tool in accordance with claim 8 wherein said pole adapter comprises a tubular body comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion comprising a plurality of J-shaped channels configured to engage a tool manipulator.
 10. A seal clamp installation tool in accordance with claim 9 wherein said pole adapter second end portion is fixedly attached to a first face of a first plate.
 11. A seal clamp installation tool in accordance with claim 9 wherein said pole adapter tubular body comprises an aperture extending radially through said pole adapter body.
 12. A seal clamp installation tool in accordance with claim 8 wherein said first plate second face comprises at least one stiffening member extending perpendicularly from said second face.
 13. A seal clamp installation tool in accordance with claim 8 wherein said second plate further comprises a second face opposite said first face, said first face and said second face comprising a generally rectangular-shaped perimeter with a U-shaped aperture extending through said second plate.
 14. A seal clamp installation tool in accordance with claim 8 wherein said lower plate is configured to operatively engage a seal clamp collar.
 15. A seal clamp installation tool in accordance with claim 8 wherein said cylinder actuator is operative between a first retracted position and a second extended position.
 16. A seal clamp assembly comprising: a first half-shell comprising a first semi-cylindrical body; and a second half-shell comprising a second semi-cylindrical body; said first semi-cylindrical body comprising: a concave interior surface; a convex exterior surface; a plurality of engagement tabs; and a plurality of seals; said second semi-cylindrical body comprising: a concave interior surface; a convex exterior surface; a plurality of actuating cylinders coupled to said exterior face, each said actuating cylinder comprising a cylinder extension comprising a shaft and an engagement disc coupled to an axial face of said shaft; and a plurality of seals.
 17. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 16 wherein each said engagement tab comprises a substantially rectangular body with a U-shaped aperture extending therethrough, said tab fixedly coupled to said first semi-cylindrical body exterior surface.
 18. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 16 wherein each said actuating cylinder comprises: a pivoting cylinder mounting tab coupled to said second semi-cylindrical body exterior surface; a pivoting cylinder housing pivotably coupled to said pivoting cylinder mounting tab; a hydraulic spring cylinder removably coupled to said pivoting cylinder housing; and a cylinder rotation rod fixedly attached to said pivoting cylinder housing, each said actuating cylinder configured to be in substantial alignment with a corresponding engagement tab.
 19. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 18 wherein said pivoting cylinder housing is rotatable between a first engaged position and a second disengaged position.
 20. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 18 wherein when a pivoting cylinder housing is in the engaged position, said cylinder extension is aligned with said corresponding engagement tab.
 21. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 18 wherein when a pivoting cylinder housing is in the disengaged position, said pivoting cylinder housing is rotated laterally away from said second semi-cylindrical body exterior surface such that a cylinder extension is not aligned with said corresponding engagement tab.
 22. A seal clamp assembly in accordance with claim 16 wherein each said actuating cylinder is operable between a first extended position and a second retracted position.
 23. A method of sealing an opening in a pipe, said method comprising: providing a seal clamp assembly comprising a base comprising a first side, a second side and an aperture extending therethrough; a brace coupled to the base, the brace comprising a distal pad hingedly coupled to a distal end portion of the brace; a spring bridge coupled to the base first side, the bridge comprising a substantially rectangular U-shaped frame and an aperture extending through the spring bridge frame such that the spring bridge aperture is in substantial lineal alignment with said base aperture; and a clamping assembly coupled to a proximate end portion of said brace; providing a seal clamp installation tool comprising a first plate comprising opposing first and second faces and an aperture extending therethrough; a pole adapter extending perpendicularly from and fixedly attached to the first plate first face; a cylinder actuator comprising a body and a cylinder pole extending perpendicularly from an axial face of the body, the cylinder actuator replacably attached to the first plate first face such that the cylinder pole extends through the first plate aperture; and a second plate comprising a first face, the first face fixedly attached to a distal end of the cylinder pole; engaging the seal clamp installation tool to the seal clamp assembly; actuating the seal clamp installation tool cylinder actuator to a retracted position; positioning the seal clamp assembly on the pipe; and actuating the seal clamp installation tool cylinder actuator to an extended position to secure the seal clamp assembly to the pipe.
 24. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein engaging the seal clamp installation tool to the seal clamp assembly comprises positioning the seal clamp installation tool lower plate such that the U-shaped aperture in the lower plate partially circumscribes the collar of the seal clamp.
 25. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein actuating the actuating cylinder into a retracted position moves the seal clamp clamping assembly into a retracted position.
 26. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein actuating the seal clamp installation tool cylinder actuator to an extended position moves the seal clamp clamping assembly into an extended position.
 27. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein positioning the seal clamp assembly on the pipe comprises positioning the seal clamp assembly such that the seal clamp seal is substantially centered over the opening in the pipe, a middle pad coupled to the brace is in substantial contact with the pipe and the distal pad is in substantial contact with the pipe. 